Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Receive" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "receive", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
受ける
うける (ukeru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
貰う
もらう (morau)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "receive" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 受ける and 貰う.
In Japanese, 受ける (うける (ukeru)) is typically associated with "to receive, to take (an exam), to undergo" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 複数の意味を持つ動詞。「試験を受ける.
On the other hand, 貰う (もらう (morau)) maps to "to receive; to get (from someone)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Transitive verb. Used to express receiving something from someone, or receiving a favor. Often implies the giver is of equal or higher status, or the action is done *for* the receiver.. A literal translation of "receive" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "受ける"
来月、JLPTの試験を受けます。
I will take the JLPT exam next month.
Bilingual Context for "貰う"
友達からプレゼントを貰いました。
I received a present from my friend.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "来月、JLPTの試験を受けます。" (Meaning: "I will take the JLPT exam next month.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "受ける" fits here because it means "to receive, to take (an exam), to undergo" in the context of: "I will take the JLPT exam next month.". "貰う" represents "to receive; to get (from someone)".